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This image is the homepage for the National Weather on July 11, 2008. The map of the United States has several different colors on it. These colors show the advisories, watches, and warnings for the day. On July 11, Minnesota had tornadoes, hail, and high winds. The red and yellow colors on the map are the tornado watches and warnings for Minnesota on that day.
Click on image for full size Courtesy of the National Weather Service Office of Grand Forks, ND/Chauncy Schultz

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Guide to Weather Advisories, Watches, and Warnings

Have you ever heard of a watch, warning, or advisory? The National Weather Service of the United States tells the community if severe weather is on its way by using a watch, warning, or advisory. Each one has its own meaning.

Advisories tell people about weather conditions that are less severe than a watch.

A watch means there is a greater chance for severe weather, but it is still not known if, when, and where the event will take place. A watch allows people to be prepared in case a warning is given.

Warnings mean that severe weather is happening or is likely to happen. It is very important to take action when a warning is issued.

Below is a list of different weather advisories, watches, and warnings. Severe Thunderstorm Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when a thunderstorm with strong winds and/or hail the size of a...more

Thunderstorms are one of the most exciting and dangerous types of weather. Over 40,000 thunderstorms happen around the world each day. Thunderstorms form when very warm, moist air rises into cold air....more

Have you ever heard of a watch, warning, or advisory? The National Weather Service of the United States tells the community if severe weather is on its way by using a watch, warning, or advisory. Each...more

Altocumulus clouds are part of the Middle Cloud group. They are grayish-white with one part of the cloud darker than the other. Altocumulus clouds usually form in groups. Altocumulus clouds are about...more

Altostratus clouds belong to the Middle Cloud group. An altostratus cloud usually covers the whole sky. The cloud looks gray or blue-gray. The sun or moon may shine through an altostratus cloud, but will...more

Cirrocumulus clouds belong to the High Cloud group. They are small rounded puffs that usually appear in long rows. Cirrocumulus are usually white, but sometimes appear gray. Cirrocumulus clouds are the...more

Cirrostratus clouds belong to the High Cloud group. They are sheetlike thin clouds that usually cover the entire sky. The sun or moon can shine through cirrostratus clouds. When looking at the sun through...more